Effects of Water Damage
Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or Florida experiences a hurricane, the risk of water damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the integrity of your structure. In addition, electronics, furniture, upholstery, appliances, and other personal items may also be damaged beyond repair. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which can be a very expensive problem to eliminate.
Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, protect the integrity of your structure, and reduce the risk of additional problems down the road. Water Restoration Companies have workers who are experienced with damage caused by floods and storms. Qualified companies know the best ways to extract water from your home or business, remove moisture from the air and building materials, facilitate the cleanup, repair your structure, and salvage or replace damaged personal items.
Causes of Water Damage
There are several possible causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, and hurricane and storm damage are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses here in Central Florida. Floods and heavy rain are other possible causes of property water damage that can lead to standing water in your home or business. Water from one of these events can result in the destruction of your property if not treated properly. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately. Starting water damage cleanup as soon as possible increases the chances that your structure, drywall and personal items can be salvaged, and decreases the chance of mold and other serious structural problems.
Assessing Water Damage
Assessing the severity of the damage should be the first step to any water damage situation. There are several different categories assigned to this type of damage. Category 1 refers to clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. Category 2 water is called gray water. This means that the water is contaminated, containing microorganisms, and may cause sickness if ingested. Broken toilets, sump pumps, and seepage are common causes of Category 2 water damage. Category 3 water damage is known as black water. This type of water is dangerous, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that will cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of water left untreated for a period of time.
There are also several classes of water damage, which are important when assessing repair options. Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials have absorbed very little of the water and repair is the least involved. Class 2 has a rapid rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and furniture cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when Class 2 damage is involved. Class 3 Water Damage has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. This type of damage involves walls, ceilings, insulation, and personal items. All of these classes of damage are best handled by a water damage restoration company to avoid the possibility of mold and other problems. However, Class 4 damage requires special water restoration and water removal procedures, making it necessary to involve professionals. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.
Most restoration companies will provide an assessment for free, determining the category of water and type of damage involved. To protect the integrity of your structure, the value of your property, and the health of your family, it is important to contact a water damage specialist to professionally assess any water damage.
The Restoration Process
The water restoration process is critical. The right procedures and equipment can save precious belongings and even prevent property from becoming condemned. Water restoration companies specialize in minimizing the effects of water damage. The success for water damage restoration depends on accurate and complete upfront assessment and proper treatment of the affected areas with the right equipment. Restoration companies use high-tech equipment and well-documented procedures to remove flood water and minimize damage. Many water restoration companies only handle water removal, not the complete restoration of your home. OneRestore and other full-service water restoration companies also offer repair and reconstruction. Be sure to ask before hiring a restoration contractor what services they provide. See 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Restoration Contractor.
Health Hazards
It is important to hire a restoration company as soon as possible after water damage occurs. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious damage to your property and potential health problems. Mold exposure may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Exposure to mold may also increase the risk for respiratory diseases and other medical problems. Proper and immediate cleanup of water damaged areas can help avoid mold and related health problems.
If you experience water damage in Central Florida, contact OneRestore – The local, full-service water damage specialist. Located in Ocala, Gainesville, Crystal River and The Villages.
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